NHTSA backs self-imposed SUV standards

Consumer groups urge federal rulemaking for automakers

By

MattAndrejczak

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The Bush administration currently has no plans to propose new regulations aimed at improving sport-utility vehicle safety standards, the top U.S. auto-safety regulator told a Senate panel Wednesday.

Jeffrey Runge, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also said he's "gratified" automakers are taking steps to make such improvements but cautioned he hasn't ruled out federal rulemaking if the industry doesn't live up to its word.

"We'll be watching very closely," Runge told the panel when asked if the automakers can be trusted. "We are hoping the industry can move fast. Hopefully, it can get done without huge regulation."

Runge told lawmakers that the industry is cooperating with NHTSA to adopt voluntary standards aimed at reducing injuries resulting from collisions between SUVs and automobiles.

The recent agreement comes after Runge warned the industry last month that the government might resort to new rules if safety features weren't improved. Read more.

Runge, a former emergency room physician who said he wouldn't let his family members drive some SUVs, added there is no guarantee the self-regulation plan would work and left the door open to possible federal rulemaking.

The Senate panel held the hearing over concerns that SUVs have a higher rollover rate than passenger cars and that they inflict more damage on occupants than other vehicles involved in crashes.

SUVs have soared in popularity the past 10 years, with over 20 million of the bulky-sized vehicles on the roads today. They now represent approximately 12 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.

All carrot and no stick?

During 2002 alone, 4 million customers bought SUVs, according to automakers.

Consumer groups said letting the industry shape its own standards is a misguided regulatory approach.

"Voluntary standards mean nothing to consumers," said Joan Claybrook, president of Public Citizen. "There is no enforcement."

"We urge this committee to reject NHTSA's reliance on a voluntary approach by the industry ... this watchdog must do more than watch," said David Pittle, a senior vice president at Consumers Union.

Intraday Data provided by SIX Financial Information and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by SIX Financial Information. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.